The 16 referees received commemorative World Championship medals from the President of the Hungarian Judo Federation, Dr Laszlo Toth.
The referees were jubilant and recognised what an honour it is to receive the award in the competition arena.
Lascau then received his framed 8th dan, in the podium from the IJF General Secretary, Jean Luc Rouge. Mr Lascau said, “The achievement of the 8th dan is a big honour for me. I am very proud to receive this award while such a special competition, the World Championships, is in full swing. To receive this award from the hands of Jean Luc ROUGE, who was the first French world champion and one of my judo idols, is a special trophy for me. I want to thank my first coach, Mr Florian Velici and the President of the IJF, Mr Marius Vizer, for offering me this honour. I would also like to thank all my colleagues for supporting, helping and guiding me. Not least, I want very much to show my gratitude to my wife and my two children, who are of course all judoka.”
Mr Rouge described perfectly what Mr Lascau means in the world of judo, “There are more important things than winning Olympic titles. What really matters are values, especially those that can help society. Daniel has all these values.”